"Close-combat Soul Tools..." Lou Gao said, breathing rapidly. "Does that mean there are long-range Soul Tools as well, and other types of Soul Tools?"
Bishop Lu Tao nodded.
"Tell me, has your Spirit Hall mastered the manufacturing techniques for Soul Tools?" Lou Gao asked eagerly.
Lu Tao said, "I have delivered the gift, Master Lou Gao. If you want the answer, come to the Spirit Hall in Gengxin City in three days, and we can talk."
Lou Gao set down the short knife and said, "This old man has accepted your gift, and I am very satisfied. Don't worry, I will come!"
"Good. Then we shall await Master Lou Gao's arrival at Spirit Hall."
With that, Lu Tao left with his men.
Tai Tan grew anxious. He went up to Lou Gao and said, "No, old friend, you agreed just like that? Aren't you worried Spirit Hall might be setting a trap?"
Lovingly stroking the short knife, Lou Gao said, "So what if it is a trap? If I can use this opportunity to glimpse Soul Tool technology, then even death would be worth it."
Am I worried about you dying? I'm worried about you defecting to the enemy! Tai Tan grumbled inwardly. He knew that if Spirit Hall truly possessed Soul Tool manufacturing techniques, then with this old friend's temperament, he might very well bring the Blacksmith Association into Spirit Hall with him.
"How about this, old friend? This old man will accompany you that day. With me there to protect you, Spirit Hall won't dare lay a hand on you." Tai Tan patted his chest.
"Fine."
Three days later, Lou Gao and Tai Tan arrived side by side at the Spirit Hall bishop's residence. Lou Gao notified the guards outside, and they stepped aside to let him